AfriForum commemorates bicentenary of Oom Paul’s birth 200 years ago with special “birthday gift”
AfriForum today commemorated the bicentenary of Paul Kruger’s birth on 10 October 1825, with a special “birthday gift” by improving the security of the Kruger Monument on Church Square in the Pretoria city centre.
This initiative follows after vandals again seriously damaged some of the statues that form part of the Kruger Monument in September this year. A gun barrel and a shoe of two of the Boer statues at the foot of the Kruger statue were broken off. Because the security fence around the monument was also damaged, AfriForum was concerned about the monument’s immediate safety.
Following productive discussions with representatives of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, it was agreed that the fence would be repaired and reinforced by AfriForum.
AfriForum emphasises that it is essential that communities should accept responsibility for the protection of their heritage landmarks themselves. “Kruger is a symbol of the struggle against British imperialism and an example of cooperation between Afrikaners and other communities. He played a key role in the history of the country that continues to inspire people. It is fitting that on his birthday, this action should be undertaken to safeguard the monument, while at the same time making current generations aware of this,” says Bailey.
Discussions between stakeholders about the restoration and future conservation of the monument and statues are still ongoing. “We realise that this action does not offer a permanent solution, but it is essential that the monument is protected as best as possible until more sustainable solutions are found,” Bailey concludes.
As part of the bicentenary commemorations, AfriForum is today also involved in a wreath-laying ceremony at Paul Kruger’s grave in the Heroes’ Field in Pretoria, the unveiling of the Kruger statue in Orania and actions in Mpumalanga to preserve the name of the Kruger National Park.
